Inhaling Device for Heavy Metal Salts and a Method of Use Thereof for Medical Treatment

ABSTRACT

An inhaling device for heavy metal salts and a method of use thereof for medical treatment is provided. The device has a housing defining an interior volume. A mouthpiece is disposed at a terminal end of the housing. A slot is also disposed in the housing, wherein the slot is configured to receive a removably securable cartridge. The cartridge includes at least one heavy metal salt in a solution. Upon securement of the cartridge into the housing, the mouthpiece is in fluid communication with the solution. A battery powered heating element is disposed in the interior volume of the housing, wherein the heating element is in thermal communication with the cartridge when the cartridge is secured within the housing. In use, a user can heat the solution via the heating element and inhale the solution via the mouthpiece.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/988,836 filed on Mar. 12, 2020. The above identified patentapplication is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety toprovide continuity of disclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to medical treatments. More particularly,the present invention provides for a device that can be used inconjunction with a solution containing at least one heavy metal salt,wherein the solution can be aerosolized and inhaled as a method oftreatment for various ailments, diseases, and the like.

Many people utilize injections to administer drugs and medicationsdirectly into a patient's blood system in order to treat bacterial orviral infections as well as other medical conditions. Other forms ofadministration include ingestion or suppository use in order tointroduce the medication to the patient's system. Presenting medicationsvia these methodologies leads to a tortuous pathway through thedigestive system, or similar systems. Such methodologies can havesignificant lag time to efficacy. The “shotgun” approach taken by thesemethods delivers the treatment to the entire body, which, in turn,follows transmission across body tissue to reach the attacking microbeor site of treatment. Because the approach taken delivers treatment tothe entire body, the concentrations of the medications and drugs much besufficiently high in order to enable an adequate amount of medication toreach the targeted area.

In some instances, inhalation of medication is offered as an alternatepathway to introduce the desired drug to a patient's system. Respiratorsand inhalators are well known in the art but do not utilize solublesalts and rely on depositing the medications on fine particles. Thesefine particles act as carriers to transport the medication into thelungs and related circulatory pathways. For example, cyanoacrylatepolymer microparticles can be used as such a transporter, resulting inthe patient inhaling dust, in effect. Such transporters can damage apatient's system and necessitate a larger volume of material needed tobe inhaled in order to provide sufficient quantities of the desiredmedication.

Inhalation devices, such as respirators, tend to heat the desiredmaterial in order to vaporize it. Some devices utilize pressure with orwithout heat in order to properly aerosolize the desired molecules.There are numerous other ways, such as humidifiers, that are used togenerate aerosols by heat or electronically via ultrasonic waves. All ofthese such inhalant devises deliver nano sized, or comparably sizedparticles and some are propelled by fluorinated hydrocarbons, or otherpressurizing agents.

The present invention substantially diverges in design elements from theknown art and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the artfor an improvement to existing medical treatment devices. In this regardthe present invention substantially fulfills these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types ofmedical treatments now present in the art, the present inventionprovides for a device that can be used in conjunction with a solutioncontaining at least one heavy metal salt, wherein the solution can beaerosolized and inhaled as a method of treatment for various ailments,diseases, and the like. The present inhaling device for heavy metalsalts and a method of use thereof for medical treatment comprises ahousing defining an interior volume. A mouthpiece is disposed at aterminal end of the housing. A slot is also disposed in the housing,wherein the slot is configured to receive a removably securablecartridge. The cartridge includes at least one heavy metal salt in asolution. Upon securement of the cartridge into the housing, themouthpiece is in fluid communication with the solution. A batterypowered heating element is disposed in the interior volume of thehousing, wherein the heating element is in thermal communication withthe cartridge when the cartridge is secured within the housing. In use,a user can heat the solution via the heating element and inhale thesolution via the mouthpiece.

An object of the present invention is to provide an inhaling device forheavy metal salts that can be used to inhale a solution containing atleast one heavy metal directly through a mouthpiece of the device.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a simple devicecontrasting the current bulky inhalation devices for respirationtherapies that has the simplicity of charging disposable individual dosecartridges/ampules into the present device.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an inhaling devicefor heavy metal salts that includes a heating element, wherein theheating element can be used to aerosolize a solution containing at leastone heavy metal salt such that the solution can be directly inhaledthrough a mouthpiece of the device.

Another object of the present invention is the creation of a solutioncontaining at least one heavy metal salt, wherein the solution can beintroduced to a reservoir of an electronic cigarette, the electroniccigarette can then be used to inhale the solution.

Another object of the present invention is the use of volatile solventsto deliver micron and sub-micron metal salts by vaporization from themetal salts. Particles of five (5) microns will travel to the smallerairways but those having lower than two (2) microns are able to settlein the alveolar region of the lung. A proper choice of the carriersolvent(s) will control the evaporation rate and thus the resultant sizeof the delivered particles.

Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention willbecome apparent from the following detailed description taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will beparticularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and mannerin which it may be made and used may be better understood after a reviewof the following description, taken in connection with the accompanyingdrawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

FIG. 1 shows a cut-away view of an inhaling device in an embodiment ofthe inhaling device for heavy metal salts.

FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of an inhaling device in an embodiment ofthe inhaling device for heavy metal salts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like referencenumerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similarelements of the inhaling device for heavy metal salts. For the purposesof presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, apreferred embodiment will be discussed as used for the inhaling devicefor heavy metal salts. The figures are intended for representativepurposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in anyrespect.

Although the characteristic features of this invention will beparticularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and mannerin which it may be made and used may be better understood upon review ofthe following detailed description.

For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of thepresent invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as usedfor administering a solution containing at least one heavy metal to auser by inhalation via the use of a mouthpiece of an inhaling device.The following detailed description is intended for representativepurposes only and should not be considered limiting in any respect.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, there are shown a cut-away view of aninhaling device in an embodiment of the inhaling device for heavy metalsalts and an exploded view of an inhaling device in an embodiment of theinhaling device for heavy metal salts. In one embodiment, the inhalingdevice for heavy metal salts has a housing 100 defining an interiorvolume 110. In the shown embodiment, the housing 100 is a tube thatincludes a closed end 120 and an open end 121. A mouthpiece 130 isdisposed at the open end 121 of the housing 100 such that the mouthpiece130 is in fluid communication with a cartridge 140 removably securedwithin the internal volume 110 (as shown in FIG. 2). One of ordinaryskill in the art will understand that the housing 100 is utilized as aninhalation device and therefore can take a number of sizes and shapes inorder to accommodate a user's design and aesthetic preference. Forexample, in various embodiments the housing 100 is an electroniccigarette with a reservoir that can receive a desired fluid to be“smoked” and therefore inhaled by the user.

In one embodiment, a slot 200 (as shown in FIG. 2) is disposed in thehousing 100, wherein the slot 200 is configured to receive a removablysecurable cartridge 140. The cartridge 140 includes at least one heavymetal salt in a solution 150. One of ordinary skill in the art willunderstand that the cartridge 140 containing the heavy metal salt insolution 150 can be used as packaging and the cartridge 140 can beopened to enable a user to transfer the solution 150 from the cartridge140 to a reservoir of a device such as an electronic cigarette. However,in various embodiments, the housing 100 is configured to receive thecartridge 140 and position the solution 150 therein in a desiredorientation such that a user can inhale the solution 150 without openingthe cartridge 140 prior to insertion. In such embodiments, uponsecurement of the cartridge 140 within the housing 100, the cartridge140 and solution 150 are aligned in the housing 100 such that themouthpiece 130 is in fluid communication with the solution 150. In thismanner, a user will have access to the solution 150 and will be able toinhale the solution 150 via the mouthpiece 130 of the housing 100. Invarious embodiments, upon securement of the cartridge 140 into thehousing 100, the solution 150 can be inhaled by simple air respirationutilizing the mouthpiece 130. In some such embodiments, the solution 150is highly volatile and therefore is easily evaporated and changes to agaseousphase at standard room temperature and pressure. In oneembodiment, the inhaling device for heavy metal salts can be fitted toan air supply and thus provide an aerosolized treatment in proximity ofthe user enabling unassisted breathing without other devices. In otherembodiments, the inhaling device for heavy metal salts, and the solution150 in particular, can be fitted in-line for individuals who utilizevarious devices to assist their breathing.

In one embodiment, the housing 100 includes a battery 160 poweredheating element 170 disposed in the interior volume 110 of the housing100. The battery 160 powered heating element 170 is in thermalcommunication with the cartridge 140 and the solution 150 when thecartridge 140 is secured within the housing 100. In this manner, theheating element 170 can warm and heat the solution 150 in the cartridge140 to assist in aerosolizing the solution 150. The aerosolized ormisted solution 150 can then be inhaled by a user as a therapeutictreatment. In some embodiments, the battery 160 powered heating element170 is in communication with a controller 180, wherein the controller180 can adjust the amount of heat provided. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 2, a button 210 is in communication with the controller 180,wherein the button 210 can selectively actuate the heating element 170such that the user can control when the heating element 170 providesheat.

The inhaling device for heavy metal salts can be used in conjunctionwith various therapeutic remedies in the form of a solution. In oneembodiment, the heavy metal salt in the solution is a zinc compound. Oneof ordinary skill in the art will understand that the activity of zincas an effective reducer of cold symptoms has been clinically establishedand some existing medications utilize zinc for such a treatment.However, these treatments are not provided in an aerosolized form andhave limited reach to migrate to the periphery of the respiratorysystem. Devices in the present art do not utilize soluble salts, asprovided by the present invention. Instead, devices in the present artuse solid materials impregnated with the active pharmaceutical and arepropelled by fluorinated hydrocarbons. The present invention avoids theunnecessary introduction of the solid materials and the fluorinatedhydrocarbons when aerosolizing and introducing the solution to theuser's respiratory system, thereby eliminating the introduction of suchunnecessary, and potentially harmful, chemicals and materials.

It is noted that comparable compositions are presented in US PatentApplication number 2014/0377373 (hereinafter the “'7373 Disclosure”)which describes microbial intervention with zinc compounds at epithelialcell walls. The cited reference is incorporated herein as an addedexplanation of the protective mechanism of zinc compounds. Further, inparticular regards to viruses, are numerous publications and studiesdescribing the inhibitory activity preventing virus replication. Theapparent strength of zinc compounds is therefore twofold in that theepithelial cell is more resilient to viral attack and if compromised,the replication inhibition provides another barrier. The '7373Disclosure relies on oral, colorectal, bladder, uterine, nasal, vaginal,penile, nasopharengial, buccal, intestinal epithelia, or mucosal routesof delivery. Notably absent from the '7373 Disclosure is a respiratorytract route of deliver. Further, the present device can bedifferentiated from the '7373 Disclosure's claim of prophylactic usewithin 1-3 hours of exposure. The delivery of these compositions via thepresent device to the respiratory tract can be both preventative as wellas remedial.

In various embodiments, the solution includes co-diluents to aid inthinning the solution. Some therapeutic treatments involving heavy metalsalts can be too viscous or too dense to easily flow from one point toanother or may not be able to dissolve the heavy metal salts at all,thereby resulting in a suspension of the heavy metal salt. The inclusionof the co-diluents enables the solution to be thinned, and in some casesto dissolve the heavy metal salt into the solution. In some embodiments,the co-diluent is a water compatible organic. In some embodiments, theco-diluent can be propylene glycol, glycerine, butanediol, triethyleneglycol, esters of poly hydric alcohols, and ethanol. Ethanol hasfavorable properties of low boiling point and resistance to degradationas a consequence of the volatility. In other embodiments, candidates forcarriers and diluents include low boiling esters in ranges comparable toethanol and combinations of such. Some examples include ethyl acetate,propyl and isopropyl acetate. The advantage of these very volatilecompositions is the facile ability to atomize the formulations withminimal power load.

In one embodiment, the solution is a five-percent aqueous solution ofzinc acetate. In a further embodiment, the five-percent aqueous solutionof zinc acetate is diluted with propylene glycol to make a two percentconcentration in glycol. In the preferred embodiment, the solutioncomprises zinc acetate dihydrate. In some formulations zinc oxidenanoparticles have been observed. Such zinc oxide nanoparticles may haveundesirable health effects, and therefore there is a need for preventingtheir formation. In some embodiments, an introduction and adjustment ofa pH of the solution can be accomplished with a low percentage of aceticacid. Such an adjustment of the pH aids in preventing the formation ofthe zinc oxide nanoparticles. For example, a 0.085 percent acetic acidintroduced and included in the solution has successfully prevented acloudiness associated with zinc oxide nanoparticles.

In one embodiment, a method of creating a solution comprising heavymetal salts and using an inhaling device for heavy metal salts formedical treatment comprises a number of steps. The first step in such anembodiment is accomplished by providing a zinc salt and one-hundredfifty-one proof ethanol. The zinc salt and the one-hundred fifty-oneproof ethanol is mixed to dissolve approximately eight percent of thezinc acetate into a solution. Where the user does not have access toprecise measuring devices, zinc salt can be added to the one-hundredfifty-one proof ethanol until zinc salt begins to settle to the bottomof the container. In one embodiment, a level teaspoon of zinc salt ismixed with about an ounce of the one-hundred fifty-one proof ethanol.The resulting solution is then shaken for at least three minutes toallow excess zinc salt to fall out of solution. The zinc salt that fallsout of solution is then removed from the solution. One-half to one cubiccentimeter of the resulting solution can then be packaged into acartridge or can be poured into a reservoir of an electronic cigarette.In the preferred embodiment, an eyedropper is utilized to add such adesired amount of the solution to the reservoir of the electroniccigarette. One-half cubic centimeter of the solution will deliverapproximately twelve milligrams of zinc ions. The electronic cigarettecan then be utilized to inhale the solution, thereby providing thedesired medical treatment. In the preferred embodiment, the process isrepeated once daily to deliver a desired twelve milligrams as atherapeutic treatment and is repeated as needed.

It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown anddescribed in what is considered to be the most practical and preferredembodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be madewithin the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications willoccur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the abovedescription then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensionalrelationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations insize, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assemblyand use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in theart, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in thedrawings and described in the specification are intended to beencompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of theprinciples of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications andchanges will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is notdesired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operationshown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications andequivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of theinvention.

1) An inhaling device for heavy metal salts, comprising: a housingdefining an interior volume; a mouthpiece disposed at a terminal end ofthe housing; a slot disposed in the housing, wherein the slot isconfigured to receive a removably securable cartridge; wherein thecartridge includes at least one heavy metal salt in a solution;whereupon securement of the cartridge into the housing, the mouthpieceis in fluid communication with the solution; a battery powered heatingelement disposed in the interior volume of the housing; and wherein theheating element is in thermal communication with the cartridge when thecartridge is secured within the housing. 2) The inhaling device forheavy metal salts of claim 1, wherein the heavy metal salts are zinccompounds. 3) The inhaling device for heavy metal salts of claim 1,wherein the solution further comprises a co-diluent. 4) The inhalingdevice for heavy metal salts of claim 3, wherein the co-diluent is awater compatible organic. 5) The inhaling device for heavy metal saltsof claim 3, wherein the co-diluent is selected from the group consistingof: propylene glycol, butanediol, triethylene glycol, esters of polyhydric alcohols, and ethanol. 6) The inhaling device for heavy metalsalts of claim 3, wherein the co-diluent is selected from the groupconsisting of: ethyl acetate, propyl acetate, and isopropyl acetate. 7)The inhaling device for heavy metal salts of claim 1, wherein thesolution is a five percent aqueous solution of zinc acetate. 8) Theinhaling device for heavy metal salts of claim 7, wherein the solutionis diluted with propylene glycol to make a two percent concentration inglycol. 9) The inhaling device for heavy metal salts of claim 1, whereinthe solution comprises zinc acetate dihydrate. 10) The inhaling devicefor heavy metal salts of claim 1, whereupon securement of the cartridgeinto the housing, the solution can be inhaled by simple air respirationutilizing the mouthpiece. 11) A method of using an inhaling device forheavy metal salts for medical treatment comprising the steps of:providing a zinc salt and one-hundred fifty-one proof ethanol; mixingthe zinc salt with the one-hundred fifty-one proof ethanol to dissolveapproximately eight percent of the zinc acetate into a solution; shakingthe solution for at least three minutes to allow excess zinc salt tofall out of solution; removing excess zinc salt that settles out ofsolution from the solution; providing an electronic cigarette with areservoir that can be filled with on-half to one cubic centimeter of thesolution; utilizing an eyedropper to add a desired amount of thesolution to the reservoir of the electronic cigarette; and utilizing theelectronic cigarette to inhale the solution.